Rush signs veteran AFL lineman

Chicago Rush head coach Bob McMillen of Naperville is building his team for the 2011 Arena Football League season. On Thursday the team signed a veteran offensive lineman.Chicago Rush file photo

After playing with Cleveland and Grand Rapids, offensive lineman TJ Watkins has signed with the Chicago Rush.Photo courtesy Cleveland Gladiators

Daily Herald News Services

The Chicago Rush added more depth to its 2011 Arena Football League roster Thursday with the signing of veteran offensive lineman TJ Watkins.

Watkins previously played with the Cleveland Gladiators and the Grand Rapids Rampage of the AFL.

"TJ is an AFL vet with experience at all three offensive line positions, and he can play fullback if we need him to as well," said Rush head coach Bob McMillen."We are excited to have TJ on board for the coming season."

This will be McMillen's first season as a head coach in the AFL after serving as an assistant coach and former player under Mike Hohensee, now with Philadelphia.

Watkins was a versatile four-year starter at Clemson University and earned an All-ACC Honorable Mention his senior year. He also participated in training camp with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills of the NFL.

The Rush will open its tenth season in the AFL on March 18 at Allstate Arena against the Philadelphia Soul and Hohensee. Tickets are availabvle at 847 882-9400 or by visiting the website at arenarush.com.